Plagiarism

Introduction

Plagiarism is the act of a writer to duplicate ideas, expressions, language or facts of another writer without seeking permission from him or her. It is highly common among schooling individuals such as those in high schools, colleges and universities.

Reasons why students plagiarize

Students opt to plagiarize due to numerous reasons such as fearing to seek assistance concerning their homework or assignments, being caught by the deadline of submitting their assignments and their inability to search and analyze research materials. In addition, some students plagiarize due to their belief that they are justified to do so when their lecturers treat them unsympathetically or unfairly. Consecutively, students plagiarize since they are more focused on acquiring the final results rather than the knowledge and skills that are gained in school (Balingit 5-14).

Difference between intentional and unintentional plagiarism

Intentional plagiarism occurs when students opt to plagiarize deliberately. That is; these students are aware that plagiarism is prohibited by their professors or by the institutions that they school at. Nevertheless, these students opt to practice intentional plagiarism due to various reasons such as the desire to deceive their lecturers, poor time management, laziness among others. On the other hand, unintentional plagiarism occurs when students plagiarize their papers unknowingly. For example, students who fail to understand the expectations of the research may think the latter requires them to critically report commentaries of numerous sources (Kirszner & Stephen 237-238).

Apparently, there is no moral difference between these two forms of plagiarism. This is because the reasons that contribute to the occurrence of each form of plagiarism can be avoided. For example, intentional plagiarism can be avoided through proper time management while unintentional plagiarism can be avoided through consulting or forming group discussions. Moreover, undetected plagiarized papers are also a form of plagiarism since they contain ideas and expressions of the original writers (Kirszner & Stephen 237-238).

Ways and reasons why that I have been involved in plagiarism

I have been involved in plagiarism in three different ways. These includes copying word-for-word without inserting quotation marks or the name of the author, citing the author`s name but frequent coping of phrases and words without quoting them, and taking the ideas of the author without acknowledging their sources (Pecorari 142). However, poor time management, lack of knowledge on referencing and technical assignments are among the factors that lured me to plagiarize my papers.

Reasons why teachers/schools/universities discourage plagiarism among students

Lecturers and educational institutions discourage plagiarism in order to enhance the development of cognitive abilities of among students. That is; students develop creative thinking, comprehending, and writing skills. Moreover, discouraging plagiarism prevents students from committing frauds even after completing their studies since the vice is a form of an academic theft. It also helps to enhance equality among students. For example, it is unfair for some students to work for their papers while others are involved in copy and pasting (Balingit 5-14).

My responsibility after understanding why lecturers and learning institutions condemn plagiarism

After understanding the reasons why institutions discourage plagiarism, it is my ultimate duty of training on ways of avoiding plagiarism. For example, it is my duty to seek guidance when handling technical assignments, working on assignments earlier than the due dates, learning how to reference and to cite academic research and assignments (Kirszner & Stephen 237-238).

How information gained from presentations and other projects relate with the school`s pledge

Understanding the importance of condemning plagiarism in the school fulfils my pledge that I will enhance God-given talents such as creative thinking. In addition, the positive attitude that I have developed after understating the importance of avoiding plagiarism relates to my pledge that I should support the school through positive attitudes and prayers. Consecutively, my decision of avoiding plagiarism fulfills my promise that I would be making sound academic judgments while in or out of campus.

Work cited

Balingit, JoAnn A. Internet Plagiarism As Flash Point and Folklore: Do High School Students Plagiarize More from Internet Sources Than from Print-Based Sources?, 2008. Internet resource.

Kirszner, Laurie G, and Stephen R. Mandell. The Wadsworth Handbook. Boston, MA: Wadsworth, 2013. Print.

Pecorari, Diane. Academic Writing and Plagiarism: A Linguistic Analysis. London: Continuum, 2008. Print.